As Ben delved deeper into the Larva Mountains, an eerie stillness engulfed the air. The scorching heat seemed to intensify, creating an oppressive atmosphere. The rocky terrain stretched out before him like an ancient labyrinth, with no clear path or indication of where the phoenix could be found. Determined and undeterred, Ben pressed on, his senses heightened as he sought any clue that would lead him to his elusive quarry. As he wandered through the twisted paths of the mountains, an unsettling hush settled over the surroundings, broken only by his own steady footsteps. It was amidst this eerie silence that Ben caught sight of a flickering glow in the distance. His heart quickened with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Could it be the phoenix, with its ethereal flames dancing upon its majestic wings? Brimming with curiosity, he cautiously edged closer, his every instinct signaling him to proceed with caution. The glow grew brighter as he approached, illuminating the darkness that cloaked the mountain's secrets. It cast haunting shadows along the rugged landscape, playing tricks on Ben's eyes. A chill ran down his spine, unsure of what awaited him in this mysterious encounter. Finally, Ben stood at the edge of a small clearing, bathed in an otherworldly light. And there, perched upon a jagged rock, was the phoenix. Its form was both captivating and ominous, its vibrant feathers flickering with a radiance that seemed to transcend comprehension. The flickering flames cascading from its body created a mesmerizing play of light and shadow that danced and twisted in the still air. Ben's heart pounded in his chest as he took a tentative step forward. The anticipation of confrontation dissipated, replaced by a newfound sense of awe. He could sense the ancient power emanating from the creature before him, a presence that demanded respect and reverence. Instinctively, Ben reached out a hand, palm outstretched in a gesture of trust. The phoenix regarded him with piercing eyes, its gaze penetrating the depths of his soul. In that haunting moment, Ben chose not to attack, but instead offered an open heart and a willingness to understand. Silent communication ensued, wordless conversations carried through a shared understanding that transcended human language. The bond formed between them felt ancient, as if friendships forged in distant times had rekindled in the present. Ben conveyed his purpose, his honest desire to learn and to harness the magnificent power of the phoenix for an honorable cause. The phoenix, mirroring his intentions, unfurled its fiery wings, the flames glowing with an intensity that defied their surroundings. A solemn nod acknowledged Ben's plea, the enigmatic creature accepting the role of familiar and summoned beast. In that moment, the oppressive atmosphere lifted, replaced by a newfound camaraderie. Ben's quest had transformed from a mere pursuit into a sacred alliance, as he embarked on a journey with the phoenix by his side. Together, they would face danger, overcome obstacles, and illuminate the world with the indomitable radiance of their united spirits and all this the phoenix saw within his soul. With an unspoken bond forged between Ben and the phoenix, the two companions sealed their pact in a solemn ceremony, an exchange of trust and shared purpose. As Ben extended his hand, the phoenix delicately plucked a single feather from its magnificent plumage, placing it into Ben's open palm. Energy coursed through their intertwined fates, intertwining their destinies inextricably. As Ben gripped the precious feather, the air around them crackled with unseen magic. A surge of power surged through him, as if the very essence of the phoenix had merged within his being. He could feel its fiery energy pulsating within, empowering him with newfound strength and insight, it had become one of his summoned beasts, fitting in-between the black dragon of calamity and the white wolf. Filled with a renewed sense of purpose, Ben made his way back to the guild, the phoenix feather held close to his heart. As he entered the familiar halls, a hush fell upon the guild members. Whispers spread like wildfire, fueling the shock and disbelief that echoed in their eyes. Once again, Ben had defied the expectations of his comrades, embarking on a quest dismissed as mere legend and rumor. The guild, eager to maintain their status quo, struggled to comprehend the audacity and success of his endeavor. Upon spotting Ben's return, Mike, the guild receptionist, immediately sprang into action. With a flick of his wrist, he attempted to assess the nature of the feather, invoking his appraisal magic. To his utter surprise, his magic faltered, sputtering and fizzling out. Astonished, Mike's eyes widened in disbelief as the realization dawned upon him. It was then that he noticed the subtle glimmer of power emanating from Ben, an aura that mirrored the phoenix's flames. Ben had somehow acquired the feather's or phoenix's magic, a phenomenon that defied all known laws of the guild's teachings. In that moment Ben's eyes began to itch, and as he squinted them he saw everyone's stats, he had just acquired Appraisal magic. As Ben approached the reception desk, a knowing smile played upon his lips. He returned Mike's gaze with an unwavering confidence, emblematic of the changes that had taken root within him during his quest. No longer the underestimated loner, he embodied the fiery determination of the phoenix. The guild, once again stupefied by Ben's unexpected prowess and unprecedented accomplishments, could no longer deny his abilities. He had transcended the boundaries set upon him, shattering the preconceptions woven around his audacious quest. Through sheer will and unwavering belief in himself, Ben had carved a path to greatness that now lay open before him. With his newfound power and a phoenix as his ally, Ben was prepared to rewrite the rules of what was deemed possible. The guild would have to accept that their once-lonely adventurer had metamorphosed into a force to be reckoned with—a beacon of inspiration, whose flames of determination and resilience burned brightly alongside the phoenix's own. As Ben strode forward, his presence radiating both strength and humility, he held not just the phoenix feather, but the proof of his unwavering spirit and the unbreakable bond he had forged. The guild's disbelieving whispers were drowned out by a resounding roar of potential, reminding all who witnessed his ascent that greatness is often found in the unlikeliest of places."Please continue to the guild master's office", Mike said pointing behind the counter. With each step he took towards the guild master's office, a sense of anticipation and curiosity grew within him. It had been months since anyone had actually seen him, and he had assumed that he had become nothing more than a legend or a myth. As he entered the guild master's office, Ben found himself facing a stern-looking man seated behind a large oak desk. His eyes widened in surprise as the guild master's gaze locked onto his own. There was an unmistakable flicker of recognition in the older man's eyes. The guild master stood up abruptly, knocking his chair backward in his hastened movement. "Ben?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "Is it really you?" Ben nodded slowly, unable to contain his own astonishment at being recognized. "Yes, Guild Master. It's me. I thought I was long forgotten, especially after the incident with the trolls." A wave of mixed emotions washed over the guild master's face as he slowly walked towards Ben. He extended a weathered hand, which Ben shook, feeling the strength and warmth behind the guild master's touch. "You were presumed dead," the guild master whispered. "A noble sacrifice in the face of a fierce beast. We mourned your loss, but always remembered your courage, Dark sorcerer." Ben couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the guild master's words. He had never expected to be recognized, noticed by his past, mourned or remembered in such a way. "I never intended to die that day," he confessed quietly. "But I managed to escape the dragon's wrath at the very last moment. It was luck, nothing more." The guild master's eyes twinkled with a mix of relief and admiration. "Luck or not, Ben, you've returned to us. And from the rumors I've heard, your powers have only grown stronger during your absence." Ben's heart skipped a beat. The guild master had heard of his powers? It seemed that his mysterious disappearance hadn't gone unnoticed after all. "Yes," he replied, his voice filled with conviction. "I have indeed honed my skills, training relentlessly during my time away." A smile tugged at the corners of the guild master's lips. "Excellent," he said. "The country has faced many struggles in your absence. We're in dire need of someone with your expertise and strength to lead us." Ben's eyes widened once again, this time with a mixture of surprise and pride. He had always desired a purpose, a reason to use his powers for the greater good.